IAGTO European Convention

Tee Times Present at IAGTO European Convention: Connecting, Growing, Evolving

Posted on by

The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) is back. From May 19 to 21, the spotlight will shine on Gran Canaria, and the golf travel community will come together again. With more than 30 years delivering top-tier golf experiences in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations, Tee Times Golf Holidays is proud to be part of this essential industry event as an IAGTO member.

This year’s IEC will be held at ExpoMeloneras — a world-class venue in the heart of Gran Canaria’s hospitality district.

For us, the IEC is much more than just a business convention. It’s a place to reconnect with long-time friends, strengthen trusted partnerships, and explore fresh opportunities. Carlos Ferreira, Founder & CEO, said: “IEC isn’t just a schedule full of meetings — it’s a chance to reconnect with partners who’ve been part of our journey for years. In this industry, relationships matter, and meeting face-to-face helps keep that trust strong.”

From Algarve to the World

Over three decades, Tee Times has grown from a local expert in the Algarve into a leading DMC serving golfers across Europe and other destinations. Our secret? A deep love for the game, personalised attention, and a constant drive to innovate, offering the best golf package for unforgettable golf holidays.

“Being at IEC is essential for us,” Ferreira adds. “It’s about reinforcing what we’ve built and staying open to new opportunities as a DMC — finding fresh connections with suppliers and buyers who share our passion for golf and quality service.”

Jorge Diogo, our Director of Sales & Marketing, agrees: “There’s nothing quite like a real conversation. Events like this let you connect with long-time partners and discover new opportunities.” And he continues: “We’re excited to be part of the IAGTO European Convention because it’s the perfect stage to show what we do at Tee Times. Meeting new buyers and suppliers helps us stay ahead and improve the experience we offer golf travellers.”

We look forward to another memorable edition of the IAGTO European Convention and continuing our mission of bringing golfers closer to the best courses, cultures, and connections across Portugal, Spain and some of the best world golf destinations.

IAGTO Awards 2024: recognising the best in European golf tourism

Posted on by

The 24th edition of the exclusive annual IAGTO Awards, focusing on the European and African sectors, was recently announced at the IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Malaga, Spain. These prestigious distinctions, determined by the votes of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) members, honour the exceptional service provided by golf courses, resorts, inbound operators, and golf destinations over the past Year. The 2024 recipients, including Madrid, Cadiz, La Cala Resort, and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, come from Spain, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Portugal, Greece, and Scotland.

During the Opening Address of the IEC, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, proudly announced the ten winners of these highly esteemed awards. Walton stated, “Golf tour operators responsible for 90% of all international golf tourism organised travel have once again focused worldwide attention on a handful of suppliers and destinations that delivered the best possible experience to their golf travelling clients over the past 12 months.” This global recognition underscores the influence and reach of the IAGTO Awards.

Madrid, Golf Destination of the Year European (City).

The Asia Pacific Awards were revealed in March, and the awards for North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be announced in June.

For over three decades, Tee Times Golf Agency has been a key player in offering the best golf and tourism packages for those seeking exceptional Portugal and Spain golf holidays. As a long-standing partner of IAGTO, Tee Times has played an active role in promoting golf tourism, contributing significantly to the industry.

La Cala Resort, Golf Resort of the Year for Spain.

IAGTO Awards winners of the year

We are thrilled to acknowledge this Year’s award winners, who are among our premier golf destinations: Madrid, as European City Golf Destination of the Year, known for its world-class golf courses and vibrant city life; Cadiz, as Southern European Golf Destination of the Year, renowned for its stunning coastal views and challenging golf courses; La Cala Resort, as Golf Resort of the Year for Spain, offering a unique combination of luxury and natural beauty; and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, as Golf Resort of the Year for Portugal, a golfer’s paradise with its championship courses and top-notch facilities.

Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, Resort of the Year for Portugal.

Cádiz, Golf Destination of the Year for Central & Southern Europe.

Tee Times Golf Agency extends its congratulations to all the winners of the IAGTO Awards 2024 and expresses its sincere gratitude for their continued collaboration. We look forward to our ongoing partnership in providing outstanding services for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Photos by: © IAGTO – Peter Ellegard

2024 IAGTO European Convention: meeting with colleagues and friends

Posted on by

Four remarkable days in Malaga. With the same enthusiasm our team brings to their daily work, Tee Times Golf Agency participated in the 2024 IAGTO European Convention (IEC), a testament to our unwavering commitment to the golf tourism market.

Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times, and Jorge Diogo, Director of Sales and Marketing, represented the agency at the convention. Held from May 13-15 on the Costa del Sol, this event is recognized as the premier golf tourism trade meeting in Europe, attracting around 750 delegates from across the globe.

The 2024 IAGTO European Convention, held at the FYCMA Exhibition Centre, is renowned for its innovative approach to networking, offering two days of pre-scheduled 20-minute meetings. Unlike traditional forced appointments, this unique format allowed parties to connect with key stakeholders and potential partners more organically and productively, underscoring the value of the event.

IAGTO European Convention Golf Tournament

Ferreira and Diogo’s active participation extended beyond the meeting rooms, demonstrating Tee Times Golf Agency’s deep-rooted passion for golf. They not only participated in the IEC Golf Tournament, showcasing their skills, but also finished third in the contest played in Real Guadalhorce on a team with Domingo Gavira and Ignácio Sanchez, a testament to our team’s talent and dedication.

The Welcome Cocktail Receptions on May 13 and the IEC Celebration Dinner on May 14 offered additional avenues for networking in a more relaxed setting. These events, filled with engaging conversations and shared experiences, further solidified relationships with peers and potential clients, demonstrating our commitment to building strong and lasting connections in the industry.

The 2024 IAGTO European Convention in Malaga was a key event for Tee Times Golf Agency. It highlighted the company’s active engagement and influential presence in the golf tourism market, offering since 1993 incredible packages and breaks for those looking for their best Portugal and Spain golf holidays.